The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has completed its Deputy Chief Officer leadership team, bringing together four Caymanian senior leaders responsible for key portfolios across health, health regulation, environmental health, solid waste management, environment, and sustainability.
The team brings together a blend of experienced leadership and more recent appointments. Lt Col. Bobeth O’Garro has served as a DCO since 2021, followed by Ms Neyka Webster, who joined the team in 2023. Ms Exie Tomlinson-Panton was appointed as a DCO earlier this year, while Mr Jason Azan joined in August, completing the Ministry’s four-member DCO team.
The DCOs are responsible for distinct and interconnected areas of the Ministry’s mandate. They form part of the Ministry’s wider Senior Management Team, led by Chief Officer, Ms Tamara Ebanks and comprising Chief Medical Officer, Dr Hilary Wolf, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mark Paramlall, Chief Nursing Officer, Ms Felicia McLean, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms Gretel Rawcliffe, Chief Financial Officer, Mr Troy Claxton and PR and Communications Manager Ms Anita Law.
Together, the Senior Management Team is focused on translating Government’s priorities into policy, effective project delivery, strong governance, clear public communication and improved services.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the Ministry will advance priorities including health and environmental health legislation, mental health policy and services, health-sector regulation and governance, strengthening the Health Services Authority, the major solid waste management project, waste reduction and recycling, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and the management of protected areas.
Chief Officer Ms Tamara Ebanks said the completion of the DCO team provides the Ministry with a leadership structure focused on delivering across its broad mandate.
“The strength of this leadership team is not simply that we have four Caymanians serving as Deputy Chief Officers; it is the depth of experience, perspective and commitment that each brings to the table,” Ms Ebanks said. “Our priorities are ambitious, but they are also deeply connected to the everyday lives of our people, from the services they rely on and the health of our communities, to the protection of our environment and the resilience of our Islands. This team will be critical to turning Government’s priorities into action, strengthening accountability and ensuring that we continue to deliver with purpose, collaboration and measurable results.”
Health and organisational resilience
Deputy Chief Officer Lt Col. Bobeth O’Garro leads the health portfolio, providing strategic leadership and oversight for areas that support effective, people-centred services across the Cayman Islands. Her portfolio includes the National Drug Council, Department of Counselling Services and Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre, with a particular focus on mental health and safeguarding, governance, risk management and business continuity.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, Lt Col. O’Garro will lead work on a range of legislative and policy priorities, including the Public Health Bill, development of the Environmental Health Bill, progression of the Tobacco (Amendment) Bill, implementation of the Cancer Registry, review of the National Drug Council Act, amendments to Litter Regulations and Pharmacy Regulations, and advancing mental health legislation. The National Mental Health Strategy will also be a significant focus, aligned with the National Health Strategy and Plan to support a coordinated approach to health and wellbeing.
Prior to becoming a DCO, Lt. Col. O’Garro spent 21 years in leadership, 13 of which she served as Head of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, and her experience spans legislative and policy development, strategic planning, internal audit, human resource management and organisational transformation.
“Having four Caymanian Deputy Chief Officers leading the Ministry’s portfolios is both a source of pride and a reflection of the talent, capability and leadership that exists within the Cayman Islands Public Service,” Lt Col. O’Garro said. “It represents an opportunity to bring diverse perspectives, local knowledge and a shared commitment to national development into our decision-making, while inspiring the next generation of Caymanian leaders to see public service as both attainable and impactful.”
Health regulation and governance
Deputy Chief Officer Ms Exie Tomlinson-Panton, who joined the Ministry in January, provides strategic leadership across health regulation and governance, with oversight of the Health Services Authority and the Department of Health Regulatory Services, including the Health Insurance Commission, Health Practice Commission and four professional regulatory councils. Her focus is on strengthening governance, accountability and regulatory frameworks while supporting a responsive and sustainable health system.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, key priorities include progressing amendments to the Health Practice Act and Health Insurance Act, contributing to the development of a National Health Strategy, and strengthening governance and performance at the Health Services Authority. Ms Tomlinson-Panton will coordinate implementation of the 47 recommendations arising from the recent HSA diagnostic assessment, support further clinical and operational assessments, the establishment of the HSA Foundation and updates to the Health Services Authority Act.
She is currently leading the revitalisation of the annual Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference, taking place in October, building on the Ministry's longstanding leadership of the event and its close partnership with the Health Services Authority. Her efforts are focused on modernising the conference experience and expanding its impact across the healthcare sector. She is also leading the advancement of health and safety policies and procedures, which are being rolled out across the Ministry and its departments and statutory authorities, with plans to extend them across core Government, alongside the development of new legislation that will apply to both the public and private sectors.
Ms Tomlinson-Panton brings more than 20 years of professional experience in marketing and management, including over 15 years in leadership roles across Government, the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands and the private sector. At the Maritime Authority, she served as Manager of Business Development and Corporate Communications and later as Head of Business Development and Client Relationships, before taking on the dual role of Registrar of Shipping and Deputy Global Director of Commercial Services. As part of the senior management team, she played a pivotal role in elevating the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry to become the world's number one superyacht registry.
Her expertise spans regulatory and legislative frameworks, governance, policy formulation, strategic planning, operational oversight, performance management, stakeholder and client relationships, and events coordination and management. She has led high-performance teams locally and internationally and has a record of driving institutional development and brand growth, with a sharp focus on service excellence and strategic impact.
"We have an important opportunity to strengthen the way our health system operates at every level," Ms Tomlinson-Panton said. "I look forward to working with our teams and partners to strengthen governance and regulation, improve accountability and help deliver a health system that is more responsive, efficient and focused on the needs of the people we serve."
Environmental health and solid waste management
Deputy Chief Officer, Ms Neyka Webster provides strategic leadership across environmental health, supporting the development and advancement of policies and projects that protect public health, promote environmental sustainability and enhance community wellbeing. Her responsibilities include policy development, project delivery, coordination of cross-government initiatives and ensuring that environmental and public health considerations are integrated into decision-making.
Waste management is a key priority for Ms Webster, particularly as the Cayman Islands works towards a sustainable long-term approach to managing the islands’ waste. Her focus for the next 12 to 18 months will include maintaining momentum on the major solid waste management project, strengthening the policy framework for environmental health, by advancing the Environmental Health Regulations, and advancing initiatives related to waste reduction, reuse, recycling and the development of healthier and more sustainable communities.
Ms Webster is a Certified Public Accountant with a career spanning private-sector accounting and senior financial leadership within the Cayman Islands Government, including service as a Chief Financial Officer across government ministries. She has served as a Deputy Chief Officer within the Cayman Islands Government since 2023 and brings extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, operational initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Her public service career has strengthened her ability to build consensus, navigate competing priorities and support practical, evidence-based solutions to environmental health challenges.
“Waste management is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the Cayman Islands today,” Ms Webster said. “As our population grows, we must find sustainable ways to reduce waste, protect our environment and safeguard public health. My priority is to help advance practical, long-term solutions that protect both our environment and our quality of life.”
Environment and sustainability
Deputy Chief Officer, Mr Jason Azan joined the Ministry in August, completing its four-member Caymanian DCO leadership team. Mr Azan has lead responsibility for Environment and Sustainability, providing senior-level oversight across the Department of Environment, Department of Environmental Health and Mosquito Research and Control Unit, while also representing the Ministry on the National Conservation Council.
Looking ahead, DCO Azan’s key priorities include implementing actions under the Cayman Islands Climate Change Policy 2024-2050, strengthening coastal, community and infrastructure resilience, protecting biodiversity and natural heritage, and supporting conservation programmes.
Mr Azan will also support the advancement of a sustainable waste management strategy focused on reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. He brings more than two decades of professional experience across accounting and public administration, including senior leadership roles within the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing. His public service career has provided extensive experience in government operations, strategic planning and leadership, with a focus on practical implementation and effective service delivery.
“My approach is results-focused, with a strong appreciation for technical expertise and a commitment to ensuring decisions are supported by evidence-based research,” Mr Azan said. “I am looking forward to supporting the Government in delivering its priorities, resulting in meaningful improvements in services, strong environmental protection and a more resilient Cayman Islands.”
One team, shared priorities
While each Deputy Chief Officer leads a distinct portfolio, the four will work collectively as part of the Ministry’s wider Senior Management Team on cross-cutting priorities where health, environmental protection, sustainability and resilience intersect.
Chief Officer Ebanks said collaboration across the Senior Management Team will be important as the Ministry advances priorities that require coordination across Government and with external partners.
“This team shares a commitment to serving the people of the Cayman Islands and ensuring that the Ministry’s priorities translate into effective delivery. I am confident that, working together, we will strengthen the services we provide and make a meaningful contribution to a healthier, more resilient and sustainable Cayman Islands.”